How to get into Bhutan

How to get into Bhutan is through contacting Bhutan Travel Agents in Bhutan for getting visa and organizing total tour package. Everybody except citizens of India and Bangladesh must apply for a visa at least 30 days in advance of their proposed date of entry into Bhutan. There is no issuing of Visa on arrival. The local travel Agents processes the visa on behalf of the guests.

For the convenience of our guest our client can book in advance, especially during the peak season when there is a big rush. Druk Air tickets will be issued in Bhutan and sent to you through email. To expedite this procedure, it is essential that you download the Visa application form, fill it up correctly and fax us (+975-2-328473) or e-mail us. This process will take approximately 10 to 14 days.

When you are getting into Bhutan the easiest and convenient way is by Bhutan Airline (Druk Air), only international air operator in Bhutan. As getting into Bhutan almost invariably requires at least one flight change in India, Nepal, Bangladesh or Thailand, ensure that you can meet the visa requirements of those countries before departing on your journey. Nepal and Thailand offer visa on arrival or visa waiver for many nationalities. India generally requires visa procedures to be completed before arrival, and this can take up to two weeks. Druk Air operates from Paro-Bhutan to India: Delhi & Calcutta, Nepal: Kathmandu, Thailand: Bangkok and Bangladesh: Dhaka. For more information on Druk Air please visit website www.drukair.com.bt or find Druk Air schedule from Bhutan Travel agents.

There are only three legal entry points into Bhutan: Paro's airport, and the land border with India at Phuentsholing. A third border crossing from Samdrup Jongkhar in southeastern Bhutan into India's Assam state is open for entry and exit.

How to get into Bhutan is through plane

How to get into Bhutan is through Paro Airport (PBH) is through Druk Air is the country's sole carrier in Bhutan and international airport in Paro. It is in the south west of the country and served only by the country's flag carrier Druk Air. Now Domestic airports are in three places in Bhutan. Tashi Air is only private airline in Bhutan which now only operates domestic services. Very soon it will operate international sectors also. Druk operates two planes (two airbuses) which fly routes to Bangkok, Kolkata, Delhi, Dhaka, Gaya, Kathmandu, Siliguri (Bagdora) and Guwahati. Druk Air will not issue tickets without a visa clearance number. E-tickets have been in use since April 1st 2008.

Bagdogra Airport (IXB). Serving the city of Siliguri in the neighboring Indian state of West Bengal. Bagdogra is a four hour drive from the Bhutanese border town of Phuentsholing. Bagdogra receives frequent flights from major cities within India.

How to get into Bhutan by Bus:

How to get into Bhutan from Kolkata by bus:

The Royal Bhutanese Government (Bhutan Post) and another Private Bus from Bhutan operate services to Phuentsholing. These buses depart from Kolkata's Esplanade bus station at 7PM. The journey takes around 18 hours and costs 300Rps/Nu. The buses are comfortable, but because much of the highway to Kolkata is like the surface of the moon, don't bank on getting much sleep on the way.

How to get into Bhutan from Siliguri: There is frequent service between Siliguri and Phuentsholing/Jaigaon. It is roughly a four hour journey. Buses operated by Bhutan private bus from across the main highway from the bus station at 7:30AM and 1:30PM daily. Tickets cost Rs 62 and are available on entering the bus or book in advance.

How to into Bhutan by train:

There are no railways in Bhutan. The nearest options (both in India) are Hasimara on the main Kolkata/Siliguri line to Assam is the nearest railway station to Phuentsholing, 17 km away. Indian Rail operated train #13149 and #4084 stop here. As of October 2010, some sections of the road from New Jalpaiguri/Siliguri to Phuentsholing are in a very bad shape. Extending travel by train till Hasimara would save your freshness for Bhutan. New Jalpaiguri Station (NJP) in Siliguri is a popular choice for travellers heading to Bhutan by land. There are direct shared taxis from NJP to Jaigaon or there is the option of buses from Siliguri bus station. A taxi between the station and the bus station costs around 80rs max. Alternatively you can also take a local train to Hasimara which costs around Rs40 and takes around 3 hours. Trains from NJP should be booked ahead, as it is a popular station amongst locals. There are not any trains leaving from this station with a tourist quota.

How to get into Bhutan is through contacting embassies and consulates mentioned below.